With Aston Villa seemingly en route to relegation from the Premier League this season, it makes sense for the club's scouts to assess some of the games being played at the second tier of English football

However, supporters of the West Midlands giants may have been alarmed last night when news surfaced on social media that recruitment director Paddy Riley had been seen at the home of arch rivals Birmingham City as the Blues took on Bolton Wanderers.

It is open to debate why Riley was watching the Championship game at St Andrew's, but if he was looking at players, here are five players who we think might be open to a transfer to Villa Park.

1) Will Buckley

With Villa unlikely to entertain any bids for players who are on contracts at Birmingham for fear of a backlash, it seems realistic that their loan stars are a target for Remi Garde.

Sunderland winger Will Buckley would fit the bit should the Frenchman be looking for experience and creativity. As well as Birmingham, where he will stay until the end of the season, he has spent time at Leeds United after slipping down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light.

Depending on whether Sunderland also get demoted, he could be available for a cut-price fee in the summer.

2) Jon Toral

At 21 years of age, Jon Toral is reaching the stage of his career where Arsenal need to make up their mind about his talents one way or another.

The Spaniard has impressed at Brentford last season and so far, for Birmingham this campaign, scoring a total of 12 goals in 61 games in the league.

If Arsenal don't want to give him his chance at the Emirates Stadium, a permanent or loan move could suit all parties.

3) Dean Moxey

Villa have had issues all over the pitch this season, but one of their biggest problem areas has been at left-back.

A whole host of names have attempted to fill the void left by the serious injury suffered by Jordan Amavi, but aside from Kieran Richardson, they are unlikely to be at the club next summer.

That could lead to an approach being made for Dean Moxey. Despite playing 28 times this season, his and Bolton's future remains uncertain and he will be on the move should they drop down to League One.

4) Mark Davies

Moxey is just one of a whole host of players who would probably depart the Macron Stadium, but apart from Zach Clough, no-one will attract more attention than Mark Davies.

The 28-year-old has spent the last seven years in the North-West, and the summer seems the perfect opportunity to move on for a fresh challenge.

A transfer didn't materialise for Davies in January, but he may welcome the opportunity to return to the West Midlands. The midfielder was born in Willenhall and began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

5) Zach Clough

The most obvious player of this list has to be Zach Clough. Like Davies, he turned down the chance to leave Bolton in January, even though Bristol City were prepared to pay £3m for his services.

It was a tremendous show of respect to a club who have given him his opportunity, but should Bolton get relegated, he will realistically be available for transfer.

The Premier League may be too soon for the 20-year-old, but for Villa, he could prove to be an astute signing who can help them back into the top flight.

Darren Plant

A sports journalist based in Cannock, Darren has spent the past three-and-a-half years working for Sports Mole. He counts football, boxing, darts and tennis as his biggest sporting passions, and rightly or wrongly, he considers hitting a 140 in front of Eric Bristow as one of his greatest achievements in life. Darren is a Chelsea supporter, who also follows National League North club Hednesford Town.